If they don’t know, do you know? Young people spend a lot of time on social media, the internet and socialising. Most of the time it is normal adolescent activity but sometimes it hides a risk to a child.

Would you be able to tell the difference? Basildon Community Safety Partnership has organised information sessions for parents and carers that will provide you with important knowledge on how to safeguard your children from risks associated with online safety and gangs.

Unlike normal presentations these will be hard hitting, impactive and give you a real insight into the very real risks our young people face in their everyday life and most importantly how you can recognise these risks and more effectively communicate with your children to keep them safe.

For the second consecutive year, Community safety partners will have a presence at the Council’s Love Your Borough Event taking place on Saturday 16th September from 10am to 4pm in Basildon Town Centre.

The event will include a community safety element to align with Basildon Council’s corporate promise to ‘endeavour to keep communities safe and healthy’ with presence confirmed from Essex Police, Basildon and Billericay Street Pastors, Basildon Neighbourhood Watch, Victim Support, Essex Youth Service and Basildon and Thurrock University Hospital.

Resident are encouraged to attend the event which aims to instil pride within the community to highlight Basildon as a good place to live, work and visit, to celebrate the borough’s achievements and opportunities, and to provide information on local services.